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Middle East46% Lower than the US

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Estimated monthly cost

$2,260

Average net salary

$2,726

Monthly cost breakdown

1-bed apartment (city center)$1,959
1-bed apartment (outside center)$1,339
Utilities (monthly)$153
Internet$87
Mobile plan$55
Monthly transit pass$26
Meal, inexpensive restaurant$9
Meal for two, mid-range$68
Cappuccino$6
Domestic beer (0.5L)$12

Source: Numbeo, in USD. A single-person estimate; couples and families will vary. Updated regularly.

Abu Dhabi vs. the average US city

Abu Dhabi$2,260
US average$4,200

You'd keep about $1,940/month in your pocket — roughly 46% lower than the typical US cost of living.

How we estimate $2,260/mo

A single-person monthly budget, built from real Numbeo prices.

Rent

1-bed, city centre$1,959
1-bed, outside centre$1,339
Rent used (average of the two)$1,649

Living costs

Utilities$153
Internet$87
Mobile plan$55
Public transit pass$26
Groceries(monthly basket for one)$123
Eating out(~12 meals @ $9)$111
Subtotal$555
+10% misc / entertainment$56
Estimated total$2,260/mo

Excludes health insurance, flights, visas and one-time setup — see the guide and tools below for those.

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